Xbox-idised

In an interesting move, Microsoft is reportedly set to unleash a subsidized Xbox 360 bundle that will gladly part with retail shelves at $99. The bundle, as reported by theverge.com, will include a 4GB Xbox 360, Kinect, and a mandatory 2 year contract not unlike that snazzy computer-in-your-pocket referred to as a phone.

The idea is quite genius – in this non-geniuses’ opinion. Cell phones and even laptops/tablets have tested these subsidized waters out so it makes sense to try to capture more Halo-heads by dropping the entry fee lower and making up for it on the back-end. How? You will be required to pay $15 a month for Gold Membership instead of the standard $10 and if you should decide to try any funny business by canceling your service- yep, there’s an early termination fee.

Whether this will equate to more memberships from those who were on the fence about signing their soul over to Big M or those who just discovered the goodness that is videogamery; remains to be seen. What is certain is that this bundle is a great way to sell hard drives and can easily be the introduction/trojan horse/gateway drug for many a budding gamers and media streamers alike to join the festivities. Take that Apple TV!

I find this idea very commercial based, the only reason for this movement is to clear out the shelves in room for the 720 and to make previous in-tact with soul consumers think they’re getting a great deal by selling said souls to “Big M”. Unknowingly buying into something that is ridiculously unnecessary.